1) DESTINATION WEDDINGS USUALLY COST LESS THAN TRADITIONAL WEDDINGS.
Formerly the exclusive domain of celebrities and the ultra-rich, Destination Weddings have in recent years become accessible to more and more couples looking to add an "exotic twist" to their special ceremony. Properly planned, a destination wedding can not only save you upwards of $20,000 off the cost of a traditional wedding, it can also turn your wedding day into an unforgettable "mini-vacation" for you and your guests.

2) YOU NEED TO PURCHASE AIR & HOTEL AS A "PACKAGE" - OR YOU COULD BE IN FOR AN EXPENSIVE SURPRISE.
Although it is sometimes possible to negotiate with the hotel and airlines separately, you will generally be able to save more money by negotiating the two as a package. Unfortunately, we've talked with quite a few brides over the years who have negotiated a seemingly good rate directly with the hotel - only to find out they were unable to find affordable airfare.

3) DESTINATION WEDDINGS CAN BE A FUN AND RELAXING EXPERIENCE FOR YOU AND YOUR GUESTS - BUT ONLY IF YOU PLAN TOGETHER.
For most of the couples we've worked with over the years, making sure their guests are properly taken care of - and are able to find suitable accommodations, has been just as important as taking care of their own plans. Unfortunately, when guests are left to "fend for themselves" it is difficult to make sure guests get plans that are convenient, affordable, and close to "where the action is."
Even worse, without the expertise of a travel professional with an appropriate level of buying power on their side (we've booked over $500 million in travel over the years), couples and their guests are often talked into accepting "group rates" when the individual rates would have been better, or stuck with individual rates when group rates may have been available.

4) "NEGOTIATE" DIRECTLY WITH HOTELS AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Although hotels will often give some form of discount for groups of 10 or more if you book directly, it is important to keep in mind that hotels, by necessity, are in the business of maximizing the amount of revenue they bring in on the rooms they book. By working with an experienced travel coordinator with appropriate negotiating power, you will not only generally receive a better deal for you and your guests - you will also avoid the costly mistake mentioned in #2 above.

5) YOU CAN DO IT ALL YOURSELF - BUT IS IT REALLY WORTH THE RISK?
Planned right, a destination wedding is truly the most unique way to commemorate your special union. Unfortunately, we've heard quite a few horror stories over the years from brides and grooms who chose to plan their wedding entirely on their own. Missed flights with no emergency number for support. Hidden clauses in hotel contracts leaving couples with an enormous financial liability on their hands. Reservations being dropped by the hotel - forcing couples and their guests into a "2 star hotel in paradise". You name it - and sadly - we've heard it.

Packing Tips & Tricks

Adventure Tour, Beach Vacation, City Tour, Cruise, Ski Vacation

The flights are booked, car rented, hotel reserved, and you leaving tomorrow - time for you to pack! Here are some helpful suggestions for packing.

Getting Started

Packing is not a matter of simply throwing necessities into a bag. Just as important as what you pack is how you pack. With that in mind, here are some general packing tips:

To avoid last-minute anxiety, make a thorough packing list before traveling.

Avoid over-packing. Do not bring things just because they might come in handy.

Pack mix-and-match clothes to help minimize baggage and yet enjoy variety.

Take things that dry quickly, like synthetic fabrics and lightweight cotton.

Iron before packing and then roll – don’t fold – clothes.

For bulky items like sweaters, stuff the rolled garment toward the foot of a pair of pantyhose – it makes a tight container that takes up less space.Leave dry–cleaned items in their plastic bags to help avoid wrinkles.

Hang clothes immediately after check-in to prevent wrinkling. If clothes do wrinkle, hang them in the bathroom while taking a hot shower to steam them smooth.

Consider bringing "disposable" clothing, such as older socks, underwear, T-shirts, and even old shoes. Before departing, donate them or throw them out to make room for souvenirs.

Layering is a great way to make a wardrobe more versatile and accommodate changing weather.

Place anything that could ruin clothes, such as liquid make-up, shampoo, and toothpaste, into a sealed plastic bag.

Pack a small lint brush.

Take along your eyeglass prescription in case you lose or break your glasses. Consider buying glasses that darken in the sun to eliminate the need for sunglasses.

If you plan to take along items such as an electric razor or hair drier to a foreign country, check with your hotel to see if you'll need an adapter.

Even the lightest traveler should bring a day bag. A small backpack can hold your umbrella, camera, book, souvenirs, and whatever else you want to carry while you go exploring.

A security pouch is essential. Worn concealed under clothing, it is the safest place to keep money, travelers’ checks, passport, and other valuables.

Don’t forget a small "first aid kit" of bare necessities: aspirin, antibiotic cream, cotton swabs, anti–diarrheal, and cold medications.

A small, inflatable pillow is indispensable for avoiding a sore neck on a long overnight flight or train ride.

Packing for an Adventure Vacation

Just because you'll be covering some rough terrain doesn’t mean you should bear all the bruises to prove it. Pack clothing to suit the adventure. For instance, if you are going on a tour through areas of varying elevation, pack clothing layers so you can adjust what you wear according to the temperature.

Comfortable, sturdy hiking boots

Thick cotton socks

Durable nylon trousers, quick to dry and allow your skin to breathe as you perspire.

Loose fitting, comfortable T-shirts and/or sleeved shirts.

Sport sunglasses

Sunscreen if applicable

Backpack to carry supplies

 

Packing for a Beach Vacation

Cool, comfortable and casual is generally the rule on most beach vacations. Slightly more formal wear is a good idea for dining and.

Shorts

T-shirts

Short sleeve shirts

Lightweight slacks or a summer gown for town

Jacket and tie

Sweater for the evening

Swimsuit

Extra large beach towel

Sunscreen

A small, portable radio

Sandals

A good pair of walking shoes

 

Packing for a City Tour Vacation

Any city tour will almost certainly have one constant: lots and lots of walking! You will want to keep your feet warm, dry, and blister-free, so proper footwear is crucial. Beyond shoes, the proper accessories can also help make or break your experience.

Sturdy, comfortable sneakers or walking shoes

Waterproof boots

Comfortable trousers, a light casual dress, or other loose-fitting clothing

Shorts

Front zipping light jacket that can be easily removed and tied around waist

A small collapsible umbrella and/or a plastic poncho

A small day bag or backpack

A phrase book for the local language

 

Packing for a Cruise Vacation

Cruise vacations are casual by day, however, evening attire can vary by ship. Guests on luxury lines may dress more formally for dinner, while other vessels might have a more relaxed atmosphere. Attire should be appropriate for the destination climate, as well.

Swimwear

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Jackets and ties; elegant slacks and blouse or a summer gown if dining is formal

Shorts

T-shirts

Short sleeve shirts

Sweater for the evening

Comfortable walking shoes and a day bag or light backpack, for exploring ports of call

 

 

Packing for a Ski Vacation

Though some ski destinations actually have temperate climates, while you are skiing it will get cold, so be sure to pack plenty of warm clothing for protection.

 

Warm sweaters

Fleece jacket

Gloves or mittens

Long underwear

Knitted wool cap or other warmth-retaining headwear

Hair-band to keep your ears warm

Waterproof or quick-drying nylon pants

Scarf